Professional cyclist Emilien Jeanniere crossed the finish line on Monday looking visibly shaken. © APA/afp / LOIC VENANCE

Blood, sweat, broken bones: the tour has never been so brutal

Broken bones, torn jerseys and bloody wounds – the feared crash chaos at the Tour de France has arrived in the first few days, also because the riders are pushing themselves to the limits – and beyond – in the biggest cycling spectacle in the world.

July 08, 2025

From: dpa

"After the World Championships, the Tour is the biggest thing you can achieve as a professional cyclist. That's why the risk-taking is extremely high here," explained sprinter Phil Bauhaus, who finished third on the third stage in Dunkirk.

The biggest sprint attraction in the field is already out – for quite some time. Belgian Jasper Philipsen, who fell after a collision during the intermediate sprint at 61 km/h, suffered a displaced fracture of his collarbone and at least one rib fracture, according to an initial diagnosis. According to the team statement, he will definitely require surgery.

Philipsen suffers rib and collarbone fracture

"It's a real bummer to lose him. Not just on the bike, but also at the table. He's a good friend. I hope it's not that bad," said his prominent teammate Mathieu van der Poel.
Two-time world champion and track cycling Olympic champion Filippo Ganna from Italy and Stefan Bissegger from Switzerland – two of the world's best time trialists – are already home after crashes and are therefore victims of the annual Tour spectacle.

Belgian Jordi Meeus was also hit on Monday. © APA/afp / LOIC VENANCE

The UCI had taken special measures, such as introducing yellow cards. Two warnings in a race result in a seven-day suspension. Three yellow cards within 30 days result in a 14-day suspension.

Crashes are commonplace at this year's Tour. © ANSA / CHRISTOPHE PETIT TESSON

The extension of the so-called three-kilometer rule to up to five kilometers has also proven successful. In the case of crashes on flat stages within this range, the affected riders are classified with the same time as the group at the time of the incident. This at least saved the top stars around defending champion Tadej Pogacar from losing time in Dunkirk.